Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Philippians 1:2
We live in an instant messaging world. Many communications begin with "Hey..." or "What's up?" And that, if time is even afforded to spell words out rather than offering up obscure abbreviations. (This post's first sentence should have read: ... na IM world.)
You and I receive emails and texts that seemingly begin halfway through a thought. And like you, I have learned to skim and pick and choose what catches my eye or stands out as important in what I read.
It is easy to blow through sections of scripture in the same way. When we take time to read, we often jump to something previously highlighted or underlined in our old Bible.
In my last post (non-recycled, which was far too long ago) I focused on two words: Servants and Saints. I want to do the same here. Paul opens up his letter to the Philippian believers by wishing them - though wishing is a word too weak -
Grace & Peace
It is a common greeting for Paul. But let's not allow familiarity to erase simple beauty; powerful beauty. Grace and Peace.
Grace and Peace share common heritage. Paul states this heritage explicitly: "...from God..." Grace and Peace ultimately find their source in Christ. The two are deeply related in effect and power. But Grace and Peace are not the same. Going back to Sunday School 101, we probably think of Grace and Mercy as being more closely related; kind of two sides of the same coin. (Willpower is keeping me on point and away the tangents calling out right now.)
I'll cut to the chase; and to the inkling of an idea that came to me when I read Paul's greeting. Both Grace and Peace find their origin in God. One - Grace - is a fact, a universal truth (given God is the universal creator). Grace is God's free gift of undeserved love and favor. It is fundamental, universal and pervasive. Grace is God's heart extended to us. Whether received or not, Grace is extended. And Grace governs vast areas of our lives and world that go unnoticed and unseen.
The other - Peace - comes as result of realizing Grace. Peace, also ultimately coming from God, is a state of being. Peace is the reality of experiencing Grace. Peace is the result of personal Grace.
Sometimes we experience Peace by accident. Grace kind of oozes into cracks and corners in our lives unaware, and ...a peaceful easy feeling results. (And it won't let you down...). But often Peace goes unexperienced; because although Grace rules, it is unrealized. Grace goes unrecognized. And therefore, Peace doesn't pervade.
Back to the post I recycled a couple days ago: Grace is good for today. Yesterday's Grace was for yesterday. And tomorrow's?... well, you're ahead of me. Though remembering past Grace can provide some Peace, we must draw on the Grace Christ offers today to fully experience Peace today. To stick with preacher alliteration:
Peace Prevails where Present Grace Permeates. (Dizzy yet?)
God, because of your grace, I have peace. Increase my peace, as I more deeply experience your grace.
For now...
D
